Ebenezer Baptist Church

The first frame structure was built at the corner of Catalpa and curve streets. The membership outgrew this church, and a brick sanctuary of Gothic style with stained glass windows was erected at the corner of East Tenth and san Marcos streets in 1885. Mrs. Henrietta Willis named the church, Ebenezer, meaning, "Stone of Help."

In 1915, the stucco tabernacle was erected, and under the pastorate of the Reverend Jerome C. Lott, the members began plans for expansion.
Ebenezer has a rich heritage in music. Virgie Carrington-Dewitty who later became the musical director for the National Baptist Convention of America, served as director of music at Ebenezer for more than fifty years. She directed the Ebenezer Choir which became the first Black choir to serve on a commercial radio program in Texas 1938. The choir was called "The Bright and Early Choir."

The Reverend Robert L. Rowe was elected pastor following the death of Rev. Lott. Under the Rowe administration, a parsonage was built at 1203 Cotton Street, prior to the building of the Education Building (1950 - 1953) and the entrance of the Sanctuary (1954 - 1955).

Dr. Marvin C. Griffin, called in 1969, led the congregation in the "Mortgage Burning Ceremony" during the celebration of the church's 100th anniversary, November 1975. He initiated a Meals-on-Wheels Program for the elderly and radio, television, tape, and bus ministry. November 14, 1976, through the research of Mrs. Algerene Akins Craig, Ebenezer was awarded the Texas Historical Marker. On October 14, 1981, the three adult choirs -- Ebenezer, Gospel, and Chancel choirs -- merged to form the Sanctuary Choir. Historical photos that include dates and places of worship were hung in the Sanctuary, January 27, 1985.

Since 1969, Ebenezer acquired the following properties: the south parking lot, May 11, 1971; the Brown property, 1915 east Tenth Street, June 8, 1984; Campbell property, 916 Waller Street, November 25, 1985; 3101 East 12 Street, December 27, 1988, and the Brady property, 1007 - 1015 East 11 Street and 1011 San Marcos Street, January 18, 1989.

The new property is the home site for the newly organized East Austin Economic Development Corporation and a new parking lot. Under Dr. Griffin's leadership a new partnership has been formed involving day care and economic development including a private developer, the Lilly Endowment, the City of Austin, Nations Bank, and Ebenezer Church. A building project in excess of $1,000,000 is underway.

The Music Ministry has added the handbell choirs with member from each three singing groups who participate in Sunday worship services.

Ebenezer's educational activities for youth, mission outreach, tutorial, and community service reflect tremendous growth. A scholarship is provided annually to members elected by the scholarship committee.

Pastors who made Ebenezer a Great Church are: The Reverends E.S. Corn and C. Ward who served as itinerant preachers and Pastors C.P. Hughes, A.W. Moss, Lee Lewis Campbell, Jerome C. Lott, Robert L. Rowe, and Marvin C. Griffin.

As we reflect on the past 116 years, our thanks and praises are to God. May He continue to bless our efforts in His name.